Six WSD staff and 11 others netted for alleged bribery over meter applications
2004-9-20
The ICAC has arrested 17 persons, including six staff members of the Water Supplies Department (WSD), for alleged bribery in relation to applications for water meters at residential and commercial buildings.
The six arrested WSD staff were two Senior Waterworks Inspectors, two Waterworks Inspectors, and two Assistant Waterworks Inspectors.
Also arrested in the operation codenamed " Conger Pike ", which commenced last Saturday (September 18), were eight licensed plumbers, two directors of different companies, and an electricity worker.
The investigation arose from a corruption complaint.
ICAC inquiries revealed that one of the arrested plumbers had allegedly acted as a "middleman" for the WSD officers concerned, and regularly collected bribes from a number of licensed plumbers.
The bribes were allegedly offered to the WSD officers for their assistance in expediting the approval of meter applications as well as lax supervision on suspected substandard waterworks.
WSD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
Inquiries are continuing.
The six arrested WSD staff were two Senior Waterworks Inspectors, two Waterworks Inspectors, and two Assistant Waterworks Inspectors.
Also arrested in the operation codenamed " Conger Pike ", which commenced last Saturday (September 18), were eight licensed plumbers, two directors of different companies, and an electricity worker.
The investigation arose from a corruption complaint.
ICAC inquiries revealed that one of the arrested plumbers had allegedly acted as a "middleman" for the WSD officers concerned, and regularly collected bribes from a number of licensed plumbers.
The bribes were allegedly offered to the WSD officers for their assistance in expediting the approval of meter applications as well as lax supervision on suspected substandard waterworks.
WSD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
Inquiries are continuing.